LAKE COUNTY
EDUCATIONAL SERVICE CENTER
WICKLIFFE PRESCHOOL
PARENT HANDBOOK
PHILOSOPHY
Children are curious about their world and full of wonder making preschool a crucial time of
learning. Early childhood education fosters independence and creativity in all areas of learning so
that young children may know the true joy of discovery. Through a prepared environment,
preschool can offer a broad spectrum of experiences that spark the imagination of children and
alert them to the vast possibilities that their world presents. Exploring together with other children
provides an opportunity for children to understand their own needs as well as the needs of others.
The Early Childhood Program has definite objectives and goals. The teaching staff accepts all
children as valuable and unique individuals. Therefore, it is a goal of every teacher to help the
children develop a healthy self-concept so that they feel confident and excited about learning.
When children are happy and confident, they are better able to accept and appreciate the
uniqueness of others.
The learning environment is designed to accommodate the individual developmental needs and
ages of the children. This is accomplished with interest centers, small and large group activities,
and one-on-one learning experiences. It is the goal of these experiences to foster self-motivated
learning. Play is viewed as another essential component of a positive preschool experience. Play is
a natural arena in which children inquire, explore and gain an understanding about their world. In
this balanced approach children have many daily opportunities to grow socially, cognitively,
physically and emotionally. A balance between free choice and structure fosters responsibility,
intrinsic discipline, and confidence. All children, with or without a disability, are seen as children
first. The Early Childhood Program applies the same positive learning principles to all children in
the program.
The Lake County Educational Service Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color religion, national origin, sex or handicap in
education programs, activities
Ohio Department of Education Compliance
The Lake County/Wickliffe preschool is required to meet Ohio Department of Education rule
compliance. Site reviewers will visit programs at least two times per year to assure compliance
and will issue compliance reports to the program director and Superintendent. All ODE inspection
reports of the program are posted in a conspicuous site near the posted license at each program.
The Early Learning Program’s license is available upon request. The phone number for preschool
program is (440) 358-7090. All complaints and reports concerning the operation of programs
regulated by ODE may be reported to the Ohio Department of Education at (614) 466-0224 or to
the Office of Early Childhood Education Licensing Office Licensing at (330) 343-8518.
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ENROLLMENT
Space is limited in the Preschool Program. Parents are required to contact the Lake County
Educational Service Center in order to check space availability and to receive a registration packet
prior to visiting Wickliffe Elementary School office to register their child. Children are placed in
classrooms based on the needs of each child. If you choose to withdraw your child for any reason,
please notify the classroom teacher and program director via phone or email.
The following will be required as part of the registration process:
1. Enrollment form
2. Birth Certificate
3. Medical Examination Form & Immunization Record signed by a physician
(If prescribed medication is required, an action plan must also be completed by a physician. Please request
appropriate documentation)
4. Medical Emergency
5. Emergency Transportation Authorization
6. Authorization for Release of Information (for doctors, school system, etc.)
7. Proof of Residency Forms
8. Dentist contact information
As required by the Ohio Department of Education, all children will receive a standardized
developmental screening including all five domains: Language, Cognitive, Social/Emotional, Fine
motor and Gross motor.
The State of Ohio requires that all students maintain a physical/medical exam within 13 months of
previous exam to attend preschool.
DAYS AND HOURS OF OPERATION
School is in session Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Preschool times are as follows:
8:30 a.m. – 11:10 a.m. for the morning session
12:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. for the afternoon session
Please remember that the children are only in session for two and a half hours per day and class
begins and ends promptly at the times listed above in order to keep to the classroom schedule. We
would appreciate that you would respect this time schedule for the benefit of all children.
TUITION/FEES
The tuition for the preschool program is $900.00 for the school year which is split into three
payments over the course of the school year. Payment can be made by credit or debit card by
calling 440-350-2563 or checks should be made payable to Lake County Educational Service
Center and sent to:
Auburn Career Center
Attn: Treasurer
8140 Auburn Rd
Concord, Ohio 44077
Due to demand for enrollment, if payment is not received in a timely manner, it may be
necessary to remove your child from the program.
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. SCHOOL
CLOSING INFORMATION
Please listen to Fox8 Cleveland television station for school closing information. Wickliffe
Preschool follows the Wickliffe City Schools schedule. Preschool is closed when the district is
closed or as needed due to weather or other circumstances.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE PROCEDURES
Parents or designated person shall accompany their child to and from the classroom each day. A
sign in/out sheet is located in the hallway. In addition to signing the sheet, please be certain that
staff member sees your child entering and leaving the classroom. Daily attendance will also be
taken.
If your child is on an IEP and is using district provided transportation they will be escorted to and
from the bus at the beginning and end of each session by a staff member.
Both parents’ right to pick up: Under the laws of the state of Ohio, both parents have the right
to pick up their child, unless a court document restricts that right. The enrolling parent, who
chooses not to include the child’s other parent on the authorized pick-up list, must file an official
court document (e.g., current restraining order, sole custody decree, divorce decree stating sole
custody).
Authorized list for pick-up: Persons on the authorized pick up list must be at least 18 years of
age and be able to supply documentation of their identity.
Arrival
1. Bus students-In the morning, students who ride the bus will be dropped off at the playground
entrance of the school. The bus aide will escort the students to the classroom. In the
afternoon, students who ride the bus will be dropped off at the Lincoln Road entrance. The
teacher and/or classroom aide will escort the students to the classroom.
2. Car Riders-In the morning, parents will need to park and walk their students into the classroom
(enter the building nearest to the preschool). In the afternoon, parents will need to park and
walk their students to the Lincoln Road entrance where the teacher and/or aide will meet you to
get the students.
Dismissal
Morning Session-all students will be dismissed at 11:10 a.m. Bus riders will have
transportation home from school. Car riders will pick up their students at the Lincoln Road
entrance.
Afternoon Session-all students will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Bus riders will have
transportation home from school. Car riders will pick up their students at the entrance nearest
to the preschool.
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PARKING
Due to the high volume of traffic, parents are requested to use the main parking lot at the front of
the building.
ATTENDANCE
When your child is unable to attend, please notify Wickliffe Elementary School at 440-943-0320
and leave a message. In addition, parents of children who receive transportation are responsible to
call the Wickliffe Transportation Department at (440) 943-7739. Calls should be made prior to
the start of school.
EMERGENCY RELEASE
In accordance with state regulations, children are released only to a custodial parent, guardian, or
person authorized by the custodial person. If a person other than those noted will pick up a child, a
telephone call must be placed to Wickliffe Elementary School identifying the authorized person.
The elementary school office staff will require photo identification from the person picking
up the child. Please relay this I.D. policy information to the person picking up the child.
OUTDOOR PLAY
Wickliffe Preschool is fortunate to have an excellent facility that allows for indoor and outdoor
gross motor activities. As a safety measure children should wear soft sole, non-skid shoes that will
not slip off. When the weather permits every effort will be made to spend the gross motor portion
of the day outdoors. In colder weather the children will need a warm coat, boots, gloves and hat.
EXTRA CLOTHING
Parents need to provide a labeled plastic bag containing a complete change of clothing for their
child (socks, underpants, shirt and pants). Please label individual items in the bag. The clothing
will be kept at school for emergency use and returned at the end of the school year.
BACKPACK
Every child will need a one inch binder and a backpack large enough to accommodate art projects
and papers. Please check your child’s backpack daily for notes, newsletters, or art projects.
SNACK
Nutritious snacks and beverages will be provided by parents on a voluntary basis. Snack schedules
and additional information will be provided by your child’s teacher.
SPECIAL EVENTS
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On special occasions, we will have classroom parties, field trips, or special guests. Notices will be
sent home prior to these special events. Parents who have a special interest to share with the class
such as a musical talent, hobby, unique pet, etc. are always welcome. Please contact your child’s
teacher to discuss how this interest can be incorporated into the classroom activities!
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips will be scheduled throughout the year by the preschool staff. Parents will be notified in
advance of the field trip date, time, location, and purpose. Each child will be required to have a
permission form signed by the parent/guardian for each individual field trip. Children who are not
attending the field trip will not be able to attend class for the day due to all staff attending the
scheduled field trip.
PARENT PARTICIPATION
Parents are encouraged to be a part of their child’s classroom experience. This participation may
be in the form of providing assistance for a special project, helping with a field trip, providing
materials/supplies for a special activity. Volunteers will be required to obtain an FBI/BCI
fingerprint/background check. (Apt. only 440-943-6900) Please discuss volunteering with your
child’s teacher prior to a background check. Parents are also encouraged to call their child’s
teacher if they have any questions or concerns. Calls will be returned after classes are dismissed
for the day.
CONFERENCES
Conferences are scheduled twice each year. A notice will be sent home prior to conference dates
and a sign-up sheet will be available. Parents of children who have Individual Educational Plans
(IEP) will receive invitations prior to IEP meeting dates.
CLASS ROSTERS
A roster of names and phone numbers is available on request. Parents may decline to have their
name and phone number included.
CLASS SIZE AND DAILY SCHEDULE
Each class has children ages 3-5 years. The maximum number of children per class for Room 125
is 16, with an adult/child ratio of 1:8.
Here is an example of a typical preschool day:
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Arrival & Toileting
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Circle Time – Greeting, weather, songs and finger plays
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Learning Centers – Individual and small group work with choice of activities including art,
writing center, dramatic play, manipulative play, science, math, book corner, blocks and
vehicles.
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Clean up, toileting and hand washing
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Snack
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Gross Motor – Indoor/outdoor play, music or creative movement
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Circle Time – Story time & language
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Departure Activities – Departure song, prepare for departure (independence is fostered
while putting on coat, boots, backpack, etc.)
A schedule is also posted in each classroom that may vary from the above guideline.
DISCIPLINE
Our classroom schedule and curriculum is structured to encourage learning, self-confidence and
good feelings. Children are never punished physically or verbally. The rules for behavior are
simple, developmentally appropriate, and clearly stated. A preschool staff member in charge of a
child or group of children shall be responsible for their discipline. The center’s actual methods of
discipline shall apply to all persons on the premises and shall be restricted as follows:
(1) Shall be no cruel, harsh, corporal punishment or any unusual punishments
such as, but not limited to, punching, pinching, shaking, spanking, or biting.
(2) No discipline shall be delegated by any other child.
(3) No physical restraints shall be used to confine a child by any means other than
holding a child for a short period of time, such as in a protective hug, so the
child may regain control.
(4) No child shall be placed in a locked room or confined in an enclosed area such
as a closet, a box, or a similar cubicle.
(5) No child shall be subjected to profane language, threats, derogatory remarks
about himself or his family, or other verbal abuse.
(6) Discipline shall not be imposed on a child for failure to eat, failure to sleep, or
for toileting accidents.
(7) Techniques of discipline shall not humiliate, shame, or frighten a child.
(8) Discipline shall not include withholding food, rest, or toilet use.
(9) Separation, when used as discipline shall be brief in duration and appropriate to
the child's age and developmental ability, and the child shall be within sight
and hearing of a preschool staff member in a safe, lighted, and well-ventilated
space.
(10) The center shall not abuse or neglect children and shall protect children from
abuse and neglect while in attendance in the preschool program.
The teachers are available to discuss any questions or comments about the discipline policy.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
The preschool teacher and her assistant are fully responsible for the children’s safety. No child
shall be left alone or unsupervised. The use of aerosol cans is prohibited.
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Parents of a child enrolled in the program shall be permitted unlimited access to the school
during the hours of operation to contact his/her child, evaluate the care provided by the
program, the premises, or for other purposes approved by the director.
Child/staff ratios and maximum group sizes are maintained according the licensing rules.
No child shall ever be left alone or unsupervised.
A phone shall be available while the program is in session.
Emergency procedures, including fire drills, rapid dismissals, tornado drills, and
emergency contact information are posted in the classroom.
Incident Reports
In the event a child has an accident or injury at school, the teacher or assistant will complete an
Incident Report on the same day of the incident. The Administrator of the program, the person
completing the form and the parent or guardian, will sign this report. A copy of the report will be
placed in the child’s file.
Fire and Weather Emergencies
Procedures have been developed to cover fire and/or tornado emergencies. Guidelines and charts
for evacuation are prominently placed in each classroom. Fire drills are conducted monthly and the
Board of Education office staff , in the event of a tornado, monitor a Weather Alert Radio.
First Aid and Communicable Disease
Staff is trained in first aid and communicable disease. A fully supplied first aid kit is available at
school and taken on field trips. A Communicable Disease Chart is located in the Preschool
classroom. Parents will be notified of exposure to communicable disease (i.e.: conjunctivitis, etc.).
Child Abuse Recognition
The Administrator and all employees are required to report all suspected cases of child abuse or
neglect to the Ohio Department of Human Services. Staff is also trained in child abuse recognition.
Medical or Dental Emergency
In the event of a medical or dental emergency, the Preschool staff will immediately take the
following steps:
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Immediate first aid administered by trained staff.
Contact the Wickliffe Rescue Squad.
Notify parents of accident or injury and inform them that an ambulance has been contacted.
One staff member will accompany the child with the child’s records, in the ambulance.
Parents will meet the child and staff member at the emergency treatment center specified
by the Wickliffe Rescue Squad.
A written description of the school’s safety policies has been explained and distributed to all staff. In
addition, emergency phone numbers and procedures are posted in each classroom.
WHEN A CHILD BECOMES ILL
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A staff member is available to observe all children upon arrival each day. An ill child will be
isolated, but under the direct supervision of a staff person, until a parent or guardian picks up the
child. A child shall be discharged when the following symptoms occur:
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Diarrhea (more than one occurrence)
Severe coughing (whooping, red/blue face)
Difficult or rapid breathing
Yellow skin or eyes
Symptoms of conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Infected skin patches
Dark urine, gray or white stool
Stiff neck
100-degree temperature
Evidence of lice infestation
When the above symptoms occur at school, parents will be notified to pick up their child. The
child may return to school when they are symptom free for 24 hours, without the aid of feverreducing or any other medication. Parents are requested to keep the health needs of all the children
in mind and to refrain from sending their child to school when these symptoms occur at home.
A mildly ill child will be observed within the group.
No staff member shall attend school if they exhibit signs of communicable disease. The
administrator reserves the right to request a physician’s note to return to work.
If you have further questions about our program, please feel free to contact any of the following
people who are involved with the Lake County/Wickliffe Preschool Program:
Tippi Foley
Lake County Educational Service Center
Director, Early Childhood
(440) 350-2563, Ext. 711
(440) 251-1244 Cell
Diane Wieland
Wickliffe City Schools
Principal
440-943-0320
Marylou L. Ezzo
Director, Student Services
Wickliffe City Schools
440-943-7744
Amanda Pona
Intervention Specialist
Wickliffe Elementary School
440-943-0320
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Tuition Information
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Tuition statements will be mailed approximately the 15th of each month beginning
in September through May
Child will be removed from the program if payment is not received in reasonable
time
Payment/ deposit (if applicable) can be made in the following ways:
o Credit/ debit card by phone at 440-350-2563
o Automatic withdrawal credit/ debit card by completing the form below and
returning it to the address below (preferred)
o Check payable to Lake County ESC mailed to address below
Auburn Career Center
Attn: Treasurer
8140 Auburn Road
Concord Ohio 44077
Lake County ESC Credit Card Authorization
Date:
Student Name:
Preschool Attending:
Cardholder’s Name:
Phone:
MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card #:
_____________________________________________________
Expiration Date: _______________________
3 Digit Security Number on Back of Card:________
Amount to be charged monthly through May:
_____________________________________________
Signature of Cardholder:
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______________________________________________________________
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